Beer: Ratings & Reviews

Reviews by ccrida:

4.89/5rDev n/alook: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

"This spring seasonal features one hop: The Amarillo. This is the 3rd year we have used this hop in this ale to show the bright tangerine, and citrus aroma and flavor that are so characteristic of this variety. A subtle nutty sweetness brought on by Munich, and Caramunich malt provide a nice light backing to show the distinctive character of the Amarillo. Grown by only Gamash Farms in the Yakima Valley the Amarillo is one of the rarer hops in the world."

On tap at the Dog & Pony for thier Brewer's Night, served in a shaker. Solar Winds is a chil-hazed dark gold with a small off-white head that leaves scattered lace.

Smell is pure amarillo hops, nice pungency from the dry-hopping, resiny grapefruit. Wow, that is what I call a serious PNW pale right there, rivals most IPAs.

Taste is similarly in your face hops, and I love it. A great showcase of the Amarillo, and I particularly appreciate that the extra maltiness beyond the 2-row doesn't come from crystal!!! Resinous and bright citrus hop flavor, moderate bitterness, some lightly toasted bread notes and lingering hoppy finish. I'm loving this beer, it reminds me a bit of Hop Stoopid, only it's a pale ale under 6%!

Mouthfeel is a bit oily, with a nice creamy carbonation, medium body and dry finish. Not quite chewing on a hop cone, but it if tasted as good as the beer, I'd do it again...but chewing on a hop cone doesn't taste anywhere near as good as this beer, trust me!

Drinkability is super high. This is my favorite style of American ale, and why I love living in the PNW. Huge hop flavor, not overly bitter or strong, just enough malt. Love it. I should note that I'm sure this beer is best the day it's kegged, and being it was brought in for Brewer's night, that was probably yesterday or today - lucky me!

Northern Lights brews are starting to show up with a little more regularity around here and they are a welcome addition. This is pretty much an average Single Hop Pale Ale. It poured a typical pale yellow, with about an inch of white head that had OK retention and minimal lacing.

The aroma was very muted, nothing noticeable really. The flavor was somewhat more bold, there was a good malt foundation and a tangy hop finish.

The body was typical for a Pale, and drinkability was nice, if not spectacular. Overall, a pleasant enough brew, worth a try if you see it.